There is a lot of buzz surrounding the new Intel N450 processor which was previous called Pine Trail.  Aside from just being new, the N450 will be great for netbook manufacturers because it will be smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the previous N270 and N280 Atom processors.  This will enable them to create slimmer and lighter netbooks which will be able to use passive CPU cooling instead of having to figure out where to put a fan.

The benefit to people looking to purchase a new netbook is that they’ll get improved battery life.  According to Fudzilla, improvements in battery life should be in the neighborhood of 20%+.  As netbooks get more powerful, it’ll be important to find ways to keep the juice flowing longer as long battery life has become something people expect when it comes to netbooks.  Another benefit to consumers will be lower pricing.  By making the processor smaller, the costs for them goes down and those savings may end up getting passed through to the person actually buying.

With no plans or announcements for these processors to be used for computers with screens larger than 10 inches you have to worry how Intel and Microsoft are working to push netbooks in 2010.  The N450 provides little to no benefit in performance when it comes to benchmarks which is where most people would love to see something change.

1. Intel Confused About Their CULV Netbook Chips

2. The Case Against N450 Netbooks

3. Intel’s i5-520UM Core Processor: A Closer Look

4. Intel N450 Processor: What You Need To Know Before You Buy

5. Intel Plans 32nm Atom Chip For 2010/2011 Launch